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The Debate
The Debate is our home for the best opinions from around Asia. Whether it is negotiating with Iran, responding to North Korean provocations, discussing Japan's looming demographic issues, or considering the new balance of power in the Asia-Pacific, some of the region's leading thinkers offer their take.
Why the UK Shouldn’t Follow Washington on China
By Tim Summers
A divergence between the China policies of the two traditional trans-Atlantic allies is not new.
The ‘Cold Confrontation’ Underway in the South China Sea
By Chen Xiangmiao
Neither the U.S. nor China wants a hot war, but they will continue to contest their differing interests in the region.
Would New India-Pakistan Talks Really Matter?
By Touqir Hussain
Even if dialogue resumes, it is doubtful if it will achieve anything short of synchronized progress on a number of areas.
Can the US Help Taiwan Keep Its Remaining Diplomatic Relationships?
By Timothy S. Rich
Taiwan has lost five partners to China since 2016. Washington might be able to help stem the tide.
Uzbekistan Needs Greater Academic Independence
By Firdavs Navruzov
The country’s new private schools must be allowed to innovate.
Afghan Women Are Battling the Taliban’s Impending Rule to Protect their Rights and Communities
By Wajeeha Hazoor
Pakistani women’s experiences in upending extremism across the border provide valuable lessons for Afghan women.
Considering History and Narratives as Spain and the Philippines Approach 500th Anniversary
By Raisa Mabayo
At the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Spain in the Philippines, which narrative do we celebrate?
Tragedy and World Order: What Lessons for US Asia Policy?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
A new book situates the U.S. relationship with the international order in historical perspective.
Narendra Modi’s 2019 Landslide: Why It Happened and What Happens Next
By Abhijnan Rej
Modi’s chest-thumping over Pakistan paid off.
Does China Really Respect Sovereignty?
By Jacob Stokes
Both Washington and Beijing claim to champion sovereignty – they just have different ideas of what that looks like.
The Remarkable Survival of Free Thought and Activism in China
By Sarah Cook
The regime’s repressive efforts are increasing, but they are also failing in important ways.
Xi Goes to Rome: Course-Correction for China’s Belt and Road Initiative?
By Jeff M. Smith and Fabio Van Loon
Italy would have been better served showing solidarity with Europe and negotiating with China from a position of strength.